Bloggin' bout Books

Problem? Who Has A Problem?: " Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I said I wasn't joining any more challenges, but this is another one that's not really a challenge since I was already planning to read a bunch of books from the approved list. I'm joining at Level IV, which involves reading 20 books off a list of bloggers' favorite reads from 2010. Here's my game plan:

1. The Stand by Stephen King (also reading for the Stephen King Challenge)
2. The Thirteenth Crime by Emma Michaels
3. Room by Emma Donaghue
4. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (also reading for Dystopia Challenge)
5. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
6. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (also reading for the 2011 Page to Screen Challenge)
7. Atonement by Ian McEwan (also reading for the 2011 Page to Screen Challenge)
8. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
9. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
10. Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
11. Fallen by Lauren Kate
12. Halo by Alexandra Ardenetto
13. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
14. Vampire Academy by Rachelle Mead
15. Peeps by Scott Westerfield
16. Mockingbirds by Katherine Erskine
17. Torment by Lauren Kate
18. Austenland by Shannon Hale
19. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
20. Spells by Aprilynne Pike

We'll see how I do ...

"

Deal"icious Mom

Carmex Coupons: "

I simply can not get enough of these new Carmex products. I love them so much! Grab these coupons while you can. I heard you can grab some of the lip tints for around $1 after the coupon at Walgreen (and re other places too) – major score in my opinion!

There are two Carmex Printable Coupons available including:

$1 Off Carmex Moisture Plus Tints Printable Coupon

$2 Off Carmex Healing Lotion or Cream Printable Coupon

Thanks for sharing, Eeendeavors!

Carmex Coupons is a post from: "Deal"icious Mom

"

Tabitha's Team

Inconveniencing Others (Mom Mornings With Oswald): "There is a lot to think about in today's reading about obedience, independence, and worrying too much about others around us.

Whereas if we obey God, He will look after those who have been pressed into the consequences of our obedience. We have simply to obey and to leave all consequences with Him.

Every time God has asked me to step out in faith to grow a little more, it has caused some type of family disruption. And every single time, he has met the needs of my family despite my worries.

It doesn't matter if it has been returning to work and worrying about time and childcare, leaving a job and worrying about providing their needs, or taking on a project that seems like too much for everyone to bear at the time.

God has filled in the blanks. Every. Single. Time.

This is so important for you to know. For some reason we seem to consult books, magazines, blogs, or the general consensus of women around us for big decisions that might cause some adjustments to be made by family members. Unfortunately, we leave one on one time with God and trusting in his plans out.

Remember, your God is the same God you read about in the Bible. He doesn't have track record of asking people to do crazy things that don't make sense, does he?

Biblical common sense almost guarantees that obedience to God will result in you doing something that doesn't make sense to others.

Possibly even resulting in consequences for those around us. Be careful - other women like to give you a raised eyebrow about any actions that have consequences on your family.

They might have good reason to be concerned. But if it is God who is asking, it will be God who takes care of the consequences.

'But how could you allow that?'

Beware of the inclination to dictate to God as to what you will allow to happen if you obey Him

'God, I need a part time job, and it has to be between the hours the kids are at school, and don't forget it needs to be within about 5 miles so that I don't have traffic on the way to pick them up, and it has to be casual so that I don't that I don't have to buy new clothes - have You written all of that down so far?'

Relax! Is God really that clueless? Ask him to lead you where he wants you. Lift up your concerns with confidence that he has got it covered.

Serve God well in whatever he asks. Let him serve your family well; he does love them.

"

One Sassy Ma's Situation

Why is our 9 year able to reason and one of our teenagers has a problem listening to reason? Please pray for my family; we have 6 children, one is an agitator, loves to intimidate the other siblings and step-siblings. I need your prayers so that God can give me wisdom, patience and peace of mind. I'm going to leave this at the Lords feet and put all my faith in Him to help me.

Any advice and/or comments are welcome!

God bless all of you!

(In)Courage

The God of Mondays: "

He could have made it all one long day. Aren’t you glad there was evening and morning on that first one? Ours is a God of Mondays, of new beginnings, of starting again, of seasons and weekends and tomorrows. He begins the day with love and ends it with faithful. And then again tomorrow.

Even as I say that, I fight the urge to roll my eyes. Don’t I say that every year? And doesn’t every year bring with it similar heartache, loss, anxiety, stress, worry, busy-ness, lists, and fear?

The air of January may not bring you the new you were hoping for. It may not bring job security or weight loss or a marriage proposal or a positive pregnancy test. It may not bring the new you want. But if you pay attention, January will carry in her arms baskets overflowing with the new you need: new mercies, new hope, new eyes to see the blessings. We have the power to choose to receive them. Or not.

I believe the new year is a beautiful picture of redemption, no matter what the last year held. And even though we know that we will face those same annoyances we faced last year, we ourselves are being made new day by day. And when it comes down to it, that is the new I desperately need. Inside new. Heart new. Eyes new.

On this second Monday of 2011, is there anything you are choosing to see new?

by Emily Freeman, Chatting at the Sky

"

Internet Cafe Devotions

Deep Spots: "

At my last visit to get my teeth cleaned, my hygienist commented that I have some deep spots in my molars. She told me she was being extra careful to get in there to get all the gunk out so I didn’t have trouble later. Because I’ve spent more time in the oral surgeon’s chair than I like, I was glad she was taking the time to do it right ,even though it wasn’t comfortable at that moment. Then, when her brother the dentist came in to do his check, he found a cavity in one of those places. I was not a happy camper.

As I grumbled to myself on the way home, I had one of those moments when God seems to tap my head and ask if I’m listening. You’ve had that happen, haven’t you? That’s when I realized that hearts are a lot like teeth. They can have deep spots in them that hide gunk and cause trouble for us if all that bad stuff isn’t scraped out.

Just like sitting in the dentist chair to get my teeth cleaned isn’t one of the things I look forward to, digging into those deep pockets in my heart isn’t something I enjoy. It often brings out things I didn’t want to find, things that make me uncomfortable, and things that make me squirm and flinch. But it has to be done. If my eyes are fixed on the here-and-now, I’ll be prone to ignore those deep spots and just worry about the surface areas—the spots others see. After all, getting into those deep spots is uncomfortable, for teeth and hearts, and sometimes it’s far more than just uncomfortable. Sometimes it really hurts to probe and dig into those dark, tight places. But it’s necessary if you want to get out the gunk.

We know that brushing our teeth takes care of them on a day-by-day basis, and we also know that going in to get them cleaned is important, too. Sometimes it can make the difference between healthy teeth and decay. Confession is much like daily brushing our teeth, but we also need times for a good, thorough cleaning.

Search me , O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. ~Psalm 139:23 NAS

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:2, 10 NAS

We know the verses well—so well we often buzz over them without really seeing them and without meaning them.

There are times we need to sit before God and give Him access to all the deep spots in our hearts. We need to let Him in there so He can expose and scrape out all that gunk that hides in those places. He can and will wash us and cleanse us from that decay—even in those deep spots—if we open up and let Him. It’s necessary for a healthy heart and it’s worth all the temporary discomfort.

Heavenly Father, as I sit before You now, I give You access to my heart. Even those deep spots, Lord. Please wash me and cleanse me from my sin. Remove the decay and restore to me the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus Name, amen.

"

Komen News

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness Awards Six Community Grants in Panama: "Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader in the breast cancer movement, is supporting six community projects designed to address some of the most pressing issues Panama faces in the fight against breast cancer, in its first round of community grant funding in the country. ..."

Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotions

weak places, Strong Places: "

Lysa TerKeurst

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

Psalm 18:2a (NIV)

We all have them. Weak places. Places inside that make us wonder if we’ll ever get it together like the “together people.” Places that make us feel less than. Less than victorious. Less than a conqueror. Less than strong.

My weak places frustrate me – especially this time of the year. I just resolved to do better a week ago at the New Year and already I’m slipping. And yet I refuse to resign that I can’t ever change.

With the power of Christ all things can be made new. All broken things are subject to restoration. But sometimes I get so tired of trying and I just feel weak. Can you relate?

What is your weak place? A money situation that seems impossible? A marriage issue that frustrates you to your core? A temper that flares? An insecurity that stings? A family dysfunction that is always brewing? A food issue that rages even though you just signed up for that new diet program?

Let me breathe a little life into your weakness today. Whatever it is, however large it may loom:

“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t have to make suggestions to God. It’s okay to be so tired of our weak places that we run out of words to pray.

Look at the beautiful verses written to us Jesus girls tucked in around Romans 8:26 about weak places…

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit” (Romans 8:9a).

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b).

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Maybe we need to sit still for just a moment or two today. Quietly sit without the weight of condemnation or the swirl of trying to figure things out. Quiet, with nothing but the absolute assurance the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

He understands our weak places. He knows what to pray. There is a purpose to this weakness. Though it doesn’t feel good, things will be worked out in a way that good will come from it (Romans 8:28).

In that quiet stillness while the Spirit prays for us and we just simply soak in truth, there will be a flicker of light. A slight trickle of hope. A grace so unimaginable, we’ll feel His power overshadowing our weakness.

In my new book, “Made to Crave- satisfying life’s deepest desire with God not food,” I write, “Even the smallest drop of God’s strength is more than enough to cover our frailties, our shortcomings, the places where we deem ourselves weak.”

I address this in my book so that we’ll reject that title.

We aren’t weak.

We are dependent.

Dependent on the only One powerful enough to help us. The only One sufficient enough to cover us in grace throughout the process.

Our relationships may not be sufficient. Our circumstances may not be sufficient. Our finances may not be sufficient. Our willpower may not be sufficient. Our confidence may not be sufficient. But He is and has been, and forever will be.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So instead of wallowing in my weak place, I will let the Spirit reveal the one positive step I can take today. I will wash away the condemnation with the warmth of His grace. I will receive His power. And I will rename the weak place, my strong place. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b).

Dear Lord, I know I am weak without You. Please help me to have just enough faith to get through the next situation I will face today. And then enough faith for the next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

If one of your weak places is compromising in the area of food, Lysa understands. For years she struggled to get her weight under control and make healthier choices. Finally, she found victory when she realized God made her to consume food, but food was never supposed to consume her. For a list of the three best things you can do when you’re struggling with your weight, visit Lysa’s blog by clicking here.

If this devotion resonated with you, don’t miss Lysa’s new book Made to Crave.

Also, you’ll want to consider doing the 6 week Bible study using the Made to Crave DVD set and the accompanying workbook Made to Crave Participant’s Guide

A great step to encourage you on this journey is the FREE webcast Lysa is offering every Monday night beginning January 10 – February 14. For more information, click here.

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When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity

because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide

at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by

huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and

every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

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Application Steps:

Remember to sign up for the FREE webcast Lysa is offering every Monday night starting tonight for the next 6 weeks! You will not want to miss hearing from one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition tonight! For more information and to sign up, click here.

Reflections:

If God is truly a shield over my life, am I taking refuge in Him?

Power Verses:

Psalm 18:30, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (NIV)

Psalm 10:17, “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

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"

Room to Read

Our Own Top 10: Top 10 Books Published by Room to Read in 2010: "

It's that time of year when everyone is looking back and making their Top 10 lists so we decided to make one of our own -- Top 10 children's books that Room to Read created and published in 2010!

***

10. The Snake Who Wants to Buy a Shoe (Cambodia) This charming picture book tells the story of a little snake who asks the crab, the spider, the cricket, the frog, and a little girl to figure out how much he should spend if he only needs to buy one shoe. Skillfully weaving collage and paper folding in its illustrations, this delightful story introduces everyday math concepts to children. A product of our writers workshop, this book is the Room to Read debut of Mr. Sun Try, a senior student of Khmer Literature and Mr. Yuom Kosal, a young artist and book designer with exceptional skill, attention to detail and an aesthetic vision that sets the illustrations in this book apart. Kosal’s participation in the Room to Read illustrators’ workshop prompted his first experiments in collage.

9. Who Makes the Best Papaya Salad? (Laos) The animals in the forest take pride in their own -- often secret -- recipes. But in order to make the most delicious papaya salad, a traditional dish in Laos, the animals need to learn to work together. A product of our writers and illustrators’ workshops, this is the first book written by Miss Manivanh Siphonesay working in collaboration with Mr. Nivong Sengsakoun, an award-winning local artist.

8. Thili’s Journey (South Africa) Thili’s middle finger tickled and itched, but she didn’t dare scratch it because she believed the superstition heard from her elders that this would chase away her chance for future money and luck. She was also superstitious of lizards and frogs, bees and crabs, rats and locusts, butterflies, and even chameleons. Because of all her fears, Thili never made the journey through the lush, green valley to visit Grandma vho-Nyawa...until now. Thili’s Journey is a story about a little girl’s adventures with fantastical superstition, folk and mythical beliefs that she has to conquer during her visit to her grandmother. The story, originally written in the Tshivenda language, is by poet and fictionist Gudani Ramikosi and illustrated by Jonas Mailula.

7. Traditional Riddles (Vietnam) This book promises to engage and delight countless Vietnamese children in riddle-solving. A compilation of humorous folk riddles passed on for generations, this book was put together by Miss Le Phuong Lien, who has written over 250 titles in teaching and learning for primary schoolchildren in Vietnam, in collaboration with artist Do Bien Thuy.

6. Mini’s Rainbow (Bangladesh) Mini the Kitten wakes up one morning and sadly sees that the rainbow had lost its colors. To bring the rainbow back to life, Mini seeks the help of the blue sky, the rooster, the kingfisher, the mustard field and the orange tree. One of the first Room to Read titles in the Bangla language, Mini's Rainbow is written by Shaheen Aziz, a local long-time author of children’s books, and illustrated by Sabyasachi Hazra, Bangladesh’s most prolific artists with over two thousand book cover designs in his portfolio.

5. The Power of Friendship (India) The Power of Friendship is a story about a group of numbers: Number One is new to the neighborhood and is having a hard time making friends; the other numbers think of him as unequal. Along the way, Number One meets Zero who, similarly, has no friends. In the end, they realize the added “value” of their friendship as the two digits stand right next to each other to form the Number Ten. This early reader book was written by Govind Sharma, India’s award-winning children’s book author and was illustrated by a young artist, Mehul Navodit, who was recently highlighted by CBS News about his contributions to Room to Read's Local Language Publishing program.

4. On the Road to Visit Grandpa (Bangladesh) Join Dragonfly aboard her leaf car on a magical, rhyming adventure to see Grandpa. Along the way Dragonfly encounters different characters, each with something to offer that Dragonfly picks up for her grandfather. This book was written by the Room to Read Bangladesh Literacy Team and illustrated by Sabyasachi Hazra.

3. The Red Flower (Nepal) A rabbit froze in the cold weather. Nearby, a fox and a vulture argue about who will take the rabbit away. Will the rabbit manage to escape? You'll have to read it to find out what happens in this tale with a strong traditional feel. Illustrated by Bhisma K. C. and written by young author Mr. Yashu Shrestha, The Red Flower was developed during a Room to Read writers' workshop held in collaboration with the Danish Writers Association and the Nepal Society for Children’s Literature.

2. Unjani (How Are You?) (South Africa) Unjani is a foundation phase book containing photos and illustrations depicting various facial emotions of children in South Africa with accompanying text in simple and predictable language to define each emotion. Originally written in English and the Xhosa language, and translated into five other languages (Afrikaans, Sepedi, Siswati, Xitsonga, and Tshivenda), the book is written by local author/illustrator Hillary Atkinson who worked with students in Khayelitsa through an organization that promotes skills training.

1. Baby Fish Goes to School, 2nd ed. (Sri Lanka) Originally published in 2006, Baby Fish Goes to School is the story of a baby fish who wants to go to school but discovers he can’t because he lives in water. Written by a 15-year old girl, the story won a creative writing competition organized by Room to Read and was illustrated by a 17-year old student who had won national art awards. In 2006, it was the first children’s book these girls had published. The first-edition book was written for advanced readers and thus, it was text-heavy and included three languages within one book. This new 2010 edition has been updated by the same writer and artist and is now being published with separate Sinhala- and Tamil-language versions. In addition, the story is now geared toward beginning readers so language has been simplified with less text and more basic vocabulary. It also includes an illustrated learning activity to teach about other animals that live in water.

In many developing countries, finding children’s books that are relevant to the local context and written in the local language is difficult. Our Local Language Publishing program develops materials from the ground up by tapping emerging and established local writers and illustrators. Room to Read now publishes in 23 languages across Asia and Africa. The titles above are just 10 out of 120 titles that Room to Read published in 2010. Learn more about our Local Language Publishing program.

All gifts are still being matched through 12/31/2010. Please make your end of year donation today!

"

Schoolfamily.com Blogs

Your T(w)een's School Social Life - When to Step in and When to Step Back: "

Teenagers are social beings. Often, the social scene during this time is, well, complicated. Friendship issues, big and small, can be all-consuming for a t(w)een. And sometimes, friendship drama can get in the way of school success. So, what’s a parent to do?

We are excited to let you know that Annie Fox, award-winning Read more..."

Take Root and Write

God First: "

At the beginning of each year it seems that I have a list of things that I set out to accomplish. On the top of my list is the desire to be a better wife. Maybe I need to be more understanding to why my husband refuses to accept Christ as his Savior. Maybe I need to be more submissive. Or maybe I should relax a bit on my want for him to be the Spiritual leader of our home.

Another item on my list is to be a better mother. Maybe I push them too hard when they want to stay home from church. Maybe I need to stop giving them lectures on the principles of God. Maybe I need to stop telling them that I am a woman who fears God and I would not be doing His will if I didn't tell them the truth of God's Word. Maybe I should just keep God all to myself and just not say anything about Him. NOT! I don't think so!

KNOW HIM

The only thing that is going on my list this year is God and God alone. I want to get to know Him. I am going to put Him first everyday. That is my New Year resolution. And when I get overly concerned about this world's worries and begin to sink in the water - I am going to shake the dust off my feet and press into the Word.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better" (Ephesians 1:16-17, NIV).


SEEK HIM

I know that by choosing to seek God early before I begin my day, He will make me a better wife - regardless of my husband's position with Him. I know that by choosing to get down on my knees and pray for my family that He will make me a better mother.

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:28-30, NIV).

I had a conversation with God the other day and I just wanted to be honest with Him. I realized that I knew more of who He is rather than know Him like a child knows his father. I sat at my dining room table and told Him that I want to get to know Him. I want what He wants in my life.

I want a closer relationship with Jesus. I want more of Him in my life. I want to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. And when I am faced with those times when I don't feel God's presence, I want to know in my heart that He is with me no matter how I feel. Yes I want family to follow Christ as I do but I want God more.

"Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always" (1Chronicles 16:9-11).

TRUST HIM

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:3-6).

I don't want to worry about anymore tomorrows. I don't want to worry about my husband's destiny if he doesn't get saved. I don't want to fear what tomorrow holds. When I allow anxiety to envelope me, my focus is pulled away from God. And God needs to be first. As I get to know Christ and am drawn to the Father through His Word, I am filled with the joy of Jesus. I have days that are filled with happiness; but oh how I love the days that are filled with the joy of Jesus.

LOVE HIM

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5).

I love loving the Lord. My desire for this year is to get to know Him more. I want my love for Him to grow. Ladies I want to encouraged you to walk closer to God. Begin your day with Jesus. Get on your knees before you brush your teeth. Spend time with God with your first cup of coffee. Then take Him with you through your whole day. May the hand of our mighty God bless you all.

"

Women of Faith Blogs

My Top Ten List: "

A good woman is hard to find . . . When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say. —Proverbs 31:10, 26 MSG

Sleep researchers tell us that women have from 20 to 50 percent higher incidence of insomnia than men. They say that this is due to our fluctuating levels of estrogen. Women would tell you that this is really because we are the only gender that truly has a grip on the emotional complexities of life and once the lights go out our minds zoom in like a laser pen on the most pressing issue de jour.

I made up this list during one of those sleepless nights. It’s a countdown a la The David Letterman Show of some things I probably should pass on to a younger generation . . .

Surround yourself with people who build you up.

1. Take care of your body.


2. You make your decisions—but then your decisions make you.


3. A chapter of Proverbs a day keeps the stupids away.


4. Keep your destiny in mind.


5. Pray about everything.


6. Never make important decisions when you are tired or hungry.


7. Take time to decide what is worth doing, then do it with your whole heart and with excellence.


8. Call home.


9. Love God.

— Anita Renfroe

Excerpted from A Grand New Day © 2008 by Thomas Nelson. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

TALK BACK: What’s on your Top 10 list of things to pass on?

Answer our Talk Back with a comment below, or enter our blog hop if you have a blog!Need more information? Click here!Use this code to connect to this blog hop! Please note that entries not relating to the topic will be removed.

If your blog doesn’t support JavaScript, use this code instead:"

Familydoctor.org

Cholesterol: What Your Level Means -- familydoctor.org

Risk factors for heart disease

• Already had a heart attack
• A man, 45 years of age or older
• A woman, 55 years of age or older
• A woman who is going through menopause or has completed menopause
• Have an immediate family member (parent or sibling) who has had heart disease
• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure or diabetes
• Overweight or obese
• Inactive

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When should I start having my cholesterol level checked?

You can’t tell if you have high cholesterol without having it checked. All adults 20 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years. If your cholesterol level is high or you have other risk factors for heart disease (see the box above), you may need to have it checked sooner and more often.

A blood test known as a lipid panel is usually the way cholesterol is checked.

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Are there different types of cholesterol?

Yes. Cholesterol travels through the blood in different types of bundles, called lipoproteins.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) delivers cholesterol to the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes cholesterol from the bloodstream.

This explains why too much LDL cholesterol is bad for the body, and why a high level of HDL is good. The balance between the types of cholesterol tells you what your cholesterol level means (see the box below).

For example, if your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. If your total level is high only because of a high HDL level, you're probably not at higher risk.

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Total cholesterol level

• Less than 200 is best.
• 200 to 239 is borderline high.
• 240 or more means you're at increased risk for heart disease.

LDL cholesterol levels

• Below 100 is ideal for people who have a higher risk of heart disease.
• 100 to 129 is near optimal.
• 130 to 159 is borderline high.
• 160 or more means you're at a higher risk for heart disease.

HDL cholesterol levels

• Less than 40 means you're at higher risk for heart disease.
• 60 or higher greatly reduces your risk of heart disease.

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What can I do to improve my cholesterol level?

If you have high cholesterol, it may be necessary for you to make some lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quit. Exercise regularly. If you're overweight, losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help improve your cholesterol levels. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish- all of which promote heart health. Avoid saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. Also limit your overall cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day and 200 milligrams if you have heart disease.

More information is available about how to make healthier food choices.

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What about medicine to lower cholesterol?

Depending on your risk factors, if healthy eating and exercise don't work to lower your cholesterol level, your doctor may suggest medicine.

For more information about this topic, see cholesterol-lowering medicines.

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More Information

Heart Disease & Stroke

• Vascular Disease: How to Prevent It
• Heart Disease: Assessing Your Risk
• Reducing Heart Disease Risk
• Cholesterol: Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Levels
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Advice for Women
• Diabetes and Heart Disease
• Quitting Smoking
• Healthy Balance for a Healthy Heart
• Plant Sterols and Stanols

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Other Organizations

• American Heart Association
  

Source

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

American Academy of Family Physicians

Reviewed/Updated: 11/10
Created: 01/96

Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotional

In Tune: "

T. Suzanne Eller

“I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.”

Psalm 101:1 (ESV)

God seems to do an incredible amount of things for people, almost like a personal valet. “I found the perfect pair of shoes on sale,” someone once told me. “It’s like God knew I needed that little boost.” Or the time that God helped another person find their glasses. They prayed and “poof” they found them.

This sometimes makes me question. How is it that people give God credit for helping them find shoes on sale, or that really great parking spot, and yet other people suffer? Loved ones get hit with disease. Financial problems cause sleepless nights. A hurricane hits Haiti as they struggle to overcome the effects of a devastating earthquake.

Maybe you too have pondered such things. Maybe it’s caused you to question how much God loves His creation.

God is deeply interested in and intimately involved with us according to verses such as this one: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

The fact that God allows you to find that perfect-for-you little blessing one day, and come down with the flu the next doesn’t negate His love for you. God’s song plays strong and consistent over you, regardless of the good times or the hard times. His individual notes dance around us, inviting us to find Him, and then to find our part in His song.

Living in harmony with God, and finding our note in His song can compel us to look for ways to reach out to others who are needing to hear Him sing over them in their suffering. I also believe it can help us live in joy despite our circumstances. And I believe living out those notes will lead us to live lives of peace, even when times are not peaceful.

Today, let’s close our eyes and open our hearts as we listen for our God singing over us. And let’s take the time, eyes still closed, to imagine what it would look like for us to live in tune with Him.

Dear Lord, You do care about the intimate details. Just like the sparrow, You feed us; just like the lily, You clothe us in beauty. Father, for that I am immensely grateful. Help me to stay in tune with You and not stridently sing my own song over top You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie’s blog for a giveaway and to explore “How big is God?”

The Woman I Am Becoming by T. Suzanne Eller

Shaped with Purpose Workbook and message on CD by Renee Swope

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When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity

because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide

at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by

huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and

every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

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Application Steps:

Visit Compassion International to sponsor a child in need. Haiti is in particular need of sponsors.

Reflections:

“What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” ~Eleanor Powell

Power Verses:

Psalm 30:11,”You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,” (NIV)

© 2011 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved."

Peace for the Journey

The ugly side of me...: "

There is an ugly side to me… two really. One brought about through sin; one brought about through cancer. One remains more veiled—my heart. One exposed for the entire world to see—my flesh. And tonight I hold a candle to them both, and I don’t like what I see.

The ugly me.

Tonight I see anger, frustration, and confusion building up inside my mind, layer upon layer—an indistinguishable conglomeration of yuck not easily identified. I cannot connect the dots to all that I am feeling. There’s an unveiling of a something, and it’s not pretty. It’s hostile and visceral, filled with enough tension to keep everyone around me on edge.

In regards to the other ugly—my flesh—I see a misshapen form of what I used to be. A large scar runs across my chest wall, still inflamed with red and reminders of what was once there only five months ago. I’m bald and I’m fat… thirty pounds heavier from my five months ago. My nails are brittle and yellowed, ready to make their departure at any moment, and my clothes? Well, they’ve gone into hibernation; sweats, t-shirts and duster robes are common fare.

And I’m tired of it all; tired from the inside-out, and wondering if such honest confession of the soul is allowed in this public place. If I can be so real as to tell you that cancer has an ugly side to it. For all the ways it has given back to me, there are a few ways it has exacted its toll on me. And while I wouldn’t turn back the clock and have things live differently, tonight I simply wish it was over. That the ugly parts of me, both inside and out, were no longer, and that I could once again be the woman that I was… five months ago.

~That I could still run. ~That I could sleep on my right side, minus the discomfort of the port. ~That I could have energy enough to get up early and live a busy day and be thankful for the activity. ~That I could take a tub bath without needing help to get out. ~That I could confidently show affection to my husband. ~That I could think, write, and speak clearly the first time around without having to second-guess myself. ~That understanding was my portion rather than confusion. ~That worry would keep her silence. ~That faith would speak her voice.

I know this won’t last… all my “thats”. In time, I’ll get a handle on my concerns. God will replace my frustrations with his peace, his truth, and his hope for my future. He can’t help himself. His character precludes his absence from my pain. He appropriately interrupts my issues with the beauty of his witness, reminding me that for all of the ugly I currently see, a cross was given as the remedy. That what is seen is not always what is true. That sometimes life’s accumulated layers need the benefit an amazing grace that not only salves a wounded heart but that correctly frames the broken fragments together to make a portrait worthy of the throne room of heaven.

Every now and again, I glimpse that beauty, and I am grateful for the reminder. But tonight, what I see in the mirror isn’t easily salved by a few words of well-spoken faith… my faith. Tonight requires something far greater—a faith that holds despite the human condition. The “sure and certain” of those mentioned in Hebrews 11. A settled confidence in the King and his promises.

Friends, faith is where I want to live… all the time. But faith, unchallenged by unsettling times, never anchors at its deepest level. Faith uncontested by adversity simply resides at the surface of the human heart. Mind you, it is enough to carry you home to Jesus; not all of us require a rigorous workout along these lines. And I suppose, on nights like tonight, I’d enjoy a float on the surface of my faith. But that’s not what I’ve been allowed.

Instead, I’ve been allowed a deeper dig into the coffers of what I profess to believe. I get the Refiner’s fire, and I don’t mind telling you it hurts; it burns. It purges and it cleanses. And all I can do is surrender to the heat, hoping that the ugly in me gets gone and that God’s beauty in me returns, from the inside-out.

Oh to be entrusted with the process. To live in the flesh, all the while being transformed by faith. It is a weighty condition, perhaps the reason so many forego the invitation to salvation. Living with ugly is sometimes an easier load to carry than lighting a match to one’s heart. But without the flames of Calvary’s love, we are left as we are… unfinished.

I don’t want to get home to Jesus unfinished. I want to get there complete. Accordingly, I look into the mirror this night. I shed some tears for the undoing of my heart and my flesh, and I confess to my Father (and to you), the ugly side of me. And I pray for healing, for understanding, and for faith enough that will carry me through to the other side.

Cancer is ugly, friends. In its wake, it can leave a soul ugly. But God, in his wake, can take the ugly and transform it into holy understanding, which breathes a beauty all its own. A beauty that moves a soul from despair to celebration. From unbelief to strong conviction. From being tired of it all to being transformed because of it all. And that is what I’m praying for tonight… my ugly made into God’s beauty.

Even so, come Lord Jesus, and interrupt my ugly with the witness and truth of your beloved cross. I long to move past the seen and visible in order to embrace the unseen depths of a living, anchored, and vital faith. You, alone, are the restorer of my flesh and heart. Come and liberally apply your grace to every fragmented layer of my life, and give me the settled confidence regarding who you ARE and in your love for me. Amen.

"

Lifescript

More Reasons to Take Vitamin D: "By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer

One recent study found that women who had vitamin D deficiency when they were diagnosed had a 94% increased risk that the cancer would spread, and 73% increased risk of dying within the next 10 years, compared to those with adequate vitamin levels. What’s most alarming is that vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem, even in the developed world.

Now, two new vitamin D studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center have linked vitamin D deficiency with breast and colon cancer. One study of 224 women being treated for breast cancer found that 66% were deficient of vitamin D.

African American women had the lowest levels of vitamin D compared to Hispanic or white patients. Genetic factors common to blacks may interfere with vitamin D absorption: higher incidence of lactose intolerance, which can eliminate vitamin-D fortified milk from the diet, and darker skin pigment that significantly reduces vitamin D synthesis.

The study also looked at the effect of vitamin supplementation regimens for those with deficiency. Temporary weekly doses of as much as 50,000 IU were needed to increase vitamin D levels in those considered severely deficient. This compares to the Institute of Medicine recommendation of 200 IUs per day up to age 50; 400 IUs from ages 51-70; and 600 IUs after age 70. The authors recommend a minimum 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily in addition to calcium supplementation.

In a separate study reported in the journal Cancer, researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency among African Americans may explain the particular susceptibility of black people to death from colorectal cancer. They found that African Americans have double the risk of dying from the cancer. After accounting for other factors, vitamin D deficiency may explain about 40% of the mortality risk associated with being African American.

A similar study published earlier this year showed that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to a higher risk of heart- and stroke-related deaths among blacks compared to whites. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency heightens the risk of death in African Americans from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Groups at greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency are:

• Older adults because their skin synthesizes vitamin D less efficiently than younger skin does.
  
  


• People living in northern latitudes such as New England and Alaska.
  
  


• Homebound individuals in any latitude who receive minimal sun exposure.
  
  


• People with dark skin whose pigment melanin interferes with the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.
  
  


• Obese people whose fat stores soak up the available vitamin D.
  
  


• People with certain intestinal conditions who do not absorb enough vitamin D from foods.

If you fall into one of these categories, it’s recommended that you obtain a blood test for vitamin D levels. Supplementation for vitamin D deficiency is easy and inexpensive, and could be life-saving.

See All House Calls by Dr. Geehr."

JournEzine

Victimized or Victorized?: "Surely there is no argument—it is God who does all things for us. “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.“ (Psalm 60:12) But, while we agree He does all things for us, we have an obligation to trust, to obey and to have hope…the true badge [...]"

(In)Courage

God Is…: "

Ever feel like you have to defend yourself ?

GOD IS YOUR DEFENDER

Luke 21:14 – But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

Ever pre-judge someone before you know them, or judge something about someone before knowing the truth?

GOD IS YOUR JUDGE

Psalm 50:6 – And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge.

If you’re hurt, broken heart-ed, or sick…

GOD IS YOUR HEALER

Exodus 15:26 – for I, the LORD, am your healer.

If you’re feeling weak…

GOD IS YOUR STRENGTH

2Samuel 22:33 – It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

God is your EVERYTHING. He says He is the “I AM”…you just need to fill in the blank with whatever you need: peace, joy, LOVE, patience, etc. Everything you’ve ever longed for or desired He can give you and so much more. I am your shield, your very great reward. (Genesis 15:1)

Today, be encouraged to depend on HIM to be your everything!!!

by Stephanie at SoCal Mama"

Home Sanctuary

Work Station: "

A friend of mine picked up on the longing of my soul for a Flip camera and sent me one yesterday! Wow! Ya'll are going to be "seeing" a whole lot more of me now :) Here is my first-ever video, taken when I was just messing around with it. It happens to go with Today's Small Thing...

Whether you are a Stay-at-Home-Mom, a WAHM, WAFHM (Work Away From Home Mom), a single gal or grandmother, each day is filled with some kind of work.

And work is GOOD! Even when we think we'd like to have nothing but leisure time, in our hearts we know that would rot us to the core. Work can be a way to worship, if you think about it. You can glorify God by using your talents and gifts, or simply depending on Him to help you in the tasks that are "too hard" to do on your own. Work, whether raising children, doing laundry, preparing a meal, filing papers or digging ditches, gives us purpose and opportunity to glorify Him. It's just that we forget to see it that way.

I've noticed that I have a much better attitude about working when my work environment is neat and inviting. When my desk is a mess, I feel even more scattered than usual (scary). Before I start any new project, I have to clear the debris from the previous project so I can think straight. I need to have my tools (pencils, paints, computer, sketch paper etc.) at hand so I'm ready to go. My desk is my work station.

Do you have "work stations" in your house? Yes! The kitchen sink is definitely a work station. How about the changing table or the laundry room? The bedroom, depending on how you want to define work (snicker), or the craft area could be considered work stations, too. Home schoolers certainly have stations for working! These places tend to get really messy because of the yeoman's work that happens there. Hey, that's life. But sometimes you've got to stop down and clear the clutter so you can think more clearly and be more efficient.

Today's Small Thing is to tidy up your work station. If you are in an office cubicle, you can get points before you even go home by straightening up in there. You might have many "work stations" in your life, but just pick ONE today, and spend a few minutes organizing your "tools" and clearing a work space so you're ready to take on your tasks.

POINTS: 40 for tidying up a work station

BONUS POINTS: 30 for finding a second work station to organize a bit

Song of the Day: Taking Care of Business, BTO

What "work stations" will you tackle today?

"

HealthCorps Blogs

Are There Foods That Can Help To Lower the Risk of Eye Damage Associated with Diabetes?: "

Diabetes is still the leading cause of blindness among Americans today. High blood sugar can lead to glaucoma which in turn can cause damage to the eyes optic nerve, causing loss of vision. High blood sugar can also cause damage to the eye's retina and increase the risk of developing cataracts.

read more"

Health News

5 Hot Food & Nutrition Apps: "

(1) GoodGuide

read more

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